have a conversation

USAGE SUMMARY

"have a conversation" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a situation where two or more people are talking to each other. For example, "The two old friends decided to have a conversation about the good old days."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

We'll have a conversation.

The Washington Post

They have a conversation, not a confrontation.

The New Yorker

Or just have a conversation with him.

The New York Times - Sports

We want to have a conversation".

The New Yorker

But why not have a conversation?

Independent

And then we'll have a conversation".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

They had a conversation.

The Guardian

Having a conversation.

The New York Times

"I never had a conversation with him".

The New York Times - Food

"Art is like having a conversation.

The New Yorker

"We've not had a conversation".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "have a conversation" to describe an informal exchange of ideas, thoughts, or feelings between two or more people. It implies a reciprocal interaction, not just a one-sided speech.

Common error

Don't use "have a conversation" to describe talking to yourself or giving a speech to an audience. Instead, use phrases like "giving a speech" or "talking to myself".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have a conversation" functions as a verbal phrase, typically used as a verb phrase within a sentence. It describes the act of engaging in a communicative exchange. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its active role in sentence construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

22%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have a conversation" is a versatile and commonly used expression for describing an exchange of ideas or thoughts between people. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides various examples across different contexts. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal settings. Related phrases include "engage in dialogue" and "talk with someone", offering slight variations in formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a reciprocal interaction, not a one-sided monologue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

talk with someone

A more general and informal way of saying "have a conversation".

engage in dialogue

Emphasizes a more formal or structured exchange.

hold a discussion

Implies a more organized and possibly argumentative exchange.

exchange words

Focuses on the act of speaking rather than the content.

consult with

Highlights seeking advice or information during the exchange.

commune with

Suggests a deeper, more intimate level of conversation.

hash things out

Suggests a conversation aimed at resolving a disagreement.

have a confab

An informal term suggesting a friendly chat or gossip session.

shoot the breeze

An informal phrase referring to a casual conversation about unimportant matters.

chew the fat

Similar to "shoot the breeze", implying a leisurely chat.

FAQs

How can I use "have a conversation" in a sentence?

You can use "have a conversation" to describe any instance where people are talking to each other, such as: "Let's "have a conversation" about our plans for the weekend" or "I need to "have a conversation" with my boss about my performance".

What are some alternatives to "have a conversation"?

Some alternatives include "engage in dialogue", "talk with someone", or "hold a discussion", depending on the formality and context.

Is it correct to say "having a conversation" instead of "have a conversation"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct. "Having a conversation" is the present continuous form, used to describe an ongoing conversation, while "have a conversation" is often used in a more general or future context.

What is the difference between "have a conversation" and "make a speech"?

"Have a conversation" implies a two-way exchange of ideas, while "make a speech" suggests a one-way presentation from a speaker to an audience.